"The elders of both worlds were wise about that kind of thing, and that probably came from all that time experimenting." And yes, on the train, that kind of knowledge would be useful. Curufin thought it paid to have more than one medical system represented amongst the doctors and healers.

In the kitchen, the temperature of the air was higher than in the passages, probably because so many people had stopped in to make themselves cups of coffee or tea or chocolate, or heated up meals for themselves in the ovens.

Curufin put some water on to boil and got the tea out of the cupboard and two mugs. Soon, the water was boiling away merrily and he made two cups of tea and brought them to the counter where there were bar stools they could sit on.

"A healing bath for you? That sounds wonderful. You obviously are in good shape for your age, but it can't hurt to nurture the body."